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Caring for our environment

The natural environment of our canals and rivers makes them very special places to visit. Our environment team works tirelessly to make sure they stay that way.

Ecologists checking the canal bank

Our waterways provide an incredibly important natural corridor. Bringing the countryside into the heart of our busiest cities and linking fragmented wildlife communities together, our canals, rivers and reservoirs are some of the most bio-diverse spaces in the country. 30% of them have been officially recognised for their special environmental value.

We all know we can spot a duck or a swan down by the water, but delve a little deeper and you’ll see so much more. Rich in insect and plant life, our canals support a thriving community of creatures, many of them extremely rare such as the water vole or kingfisher.

Careful custodianship

However, while nature is abundant on, in and next to our waterways it does need careful custodianship to ensure that it has the opportunity to thrive. Thankfully our environment team exist to protect the prized natural environment of our waterways. Because of their work, the next time you visit a canal or river, you’ll have the chance to spot a kingfisher or water vole, dragonfly or butterfly.

Whether they’re creating new habitats, caring for wildlife while we’re fixing up our canals, improving water quality or providing education, they are involved with all that we do.